Mahlaya fills Masaseng’s ‘big boots’ at FUB
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday July 10, 2026 10:39
Mahlanya beat other interested candidates for the position, filling in the ‘big boots’ left by Masaseng. During his farewell ceremony after the union’s general assembly last Saturday, several speakers and well-wishers spoke highly about Masaseng’s huge role in the formation of the union and his work rate and ethic.
His hard work eventually caught the attention of FIFPRO Africa division. Mahlanya has since stepped in to fill his big boots following her successful tenure in the role on an acting basis.
She has been serving as the secretary-general of the union on an interim basis whilst the process of finding Masaseng’s replacement was underway.
Introducing Mahlanya to the audience last Saturday, FUB president, Onalethata Tshekiso, highlighted the process followed in finding Masaseng’s replacement, revealing that the substantive secretary was amongst candidates that had shown interest.
Tshekiso explained that an independent body carried out the whole process and reported to the FUB board from time to time.
“She spent most of the time as the office manager. When Masaseng officially bid farewell to us in December, we looked at her as somebody who can act in that position whilst we were in the process of finding a replacement,” Tshekiso explained.
“When the advert came out, she showed interest together with other candidates. I would not know the names because like I said, the process was done by an independent body. They didn’t have to tell us the names. “Recommendation that came from the independent committee to the board was that they had identified somebody who is suitable enough to take over.”
Tshekiso also said Mahlanya is destined to do well in the position since she learnt from the founding secretary-general during his tenure in the organisation.
In her role, Mahlaya will be responsible for leading the union’s administration, implementing its strategic objectives, strengthening engagement with football stakeholders and ensuring the continued protection and representation of players’ rights.
According to FUB, Mahlaya has more than 11 years of experience in sports administration, bringing a wealth of expertise in sports governance, organisational management, stakeholder engagement and player representation.
During her time as acting secretary-general, she oversaw the union’s day-to-day operations, maintained key stakeholder relationships and continued the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the welfare and protection of footballers.
Her qualifications include a Diploma in Management of Olympic Sport Organisations from the Botswana National Olympic Committee (2025), the FIFA/CIES Executive Programme in Sport Management through Nelson Mandela University (2023), and a Certificate in Sport Administration from the Botswana National Olympic Committee (2022).
She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management from Botswana Accountancy College (2018), a Certificate in Productivity Improvement for Decent Work and Sustainable Development awarded by the International Labour Organisation (2015), and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Enterprise from the University of Derby (2014).